Means and method for the identification of samples for blood typing



Allg 16, 1966 E. c. WHITEHEAD ETAL MEANS AND METHOD FOR THE IDENTIFICATION OF SAMPLES FOR BLOOD TYPING Filed July 3o, 1965 emlz D oo o c Q oooo 6 INVENTORS fowl/z' C- WH/rEHE/QD MLL/AM d. SMyr/fs BY JACK /s/EEL/ United States Patent MEANS AND METHOD FUR THE IDENTIFICA- TION F SAMPLES FUR BLOOD TYPING Edwin C. Whitehead, Sloatsburg, William J. Smythe, Rye,

and .lack lsreeli, Tuckahoe, N.Y., assignors to Technicon Instruments Corporation, Chauncey, N.Y., a corporation of New York Filed July 30, 1963, Ser. No. 298,772

^ 32 Claims. (Cl. 73-53) This invention pertains to the corresponding identification of materials in accordance with one or more related characteristics thereof, and has for a primary object the provision of a method and apparatus for the corresponding identification of containers in accordance with one or more related characteristics of substances contained therein.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a method and apparatus as above whereby the corresponding identification may be` made in a convenient, economical and virtually foolproof manner.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a method and apparatus as above which are especially, but not necessarily exclusively, adaptable to the corresponding identification of blood donation receptacles and blood sample cups containing blood from the same donor, whereby the latter may be analyzed in automatic blood sample supply and analysis apparatus of the nature disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 3,038,340 issued June 12, 1962, to I. Isreeli (a joint inventor of the subject matter of this application), and the results of such analysis-accurately correlated with the proper receptacle through the corresponding identification thereof.

Another object is the provision of a method and apparatus for automatically recording identifications of sample analyses in automatic analysis apparatus.

A serious problem in the operation of a blood bank resides in the ever present possibility of giving blood which is inaccurately identified, for example as to type, to a recipient whereby, if the blood to be transfused and the blood of the recipient are not of the same type, serious injury or even death may result. This problem may arise not only from instances in which blood is inaccurately analyzed as to'type in the laboratory, but also through clerical error inv incorrectly correlating accurate results of blood sample type analysis with the proper blood donation receptacle.

In a preferred embodiment herein disclosed, the present invention makes virtually impossible the occurrence of such clerical error and attendant serious consequences by providing for the secure attachment of a blood sample cup to the blood donation receptacle by means of a severable identification strip which is firmly aflixed to both the receptacle and the cup before the filling thereof with l blood from the same donor. Indicia of the identity of the blood donor in one or more forms, as-for example printed numerals and/or punched holes arranged to represent the same numerals to suitable detecting means, are provided in at least two locations on the identifying strip. Only after the donation receptacle and the sample cup have been filled with blood from the same donorin the same operation, is the strip severed intermediate the said locations to provide two containers of the same blood from the same donor each having rigidly attached thereto a portion of the identifying strip bearing indicia in one or more forms of the identity of the said donor. The blood containing sample cup may then be utilized in automatic blood sample supply and analysis apparatus of the nature disclosed in the above mentioned U.S. Patent No. 3,038,340, and U.S. Patent No. 2,797,149 to L. T. Skeggs, whereby the blood contained in the cup is analyzed with respect to various properties thereof to provide a graphical record indicative of the blood type. Detecting and recording means are in this instance cooperatively associated with the sample supply and analysis apparatus, whereby the blood donor identity indicia on the sample cup identiication strip portion may be detected as the sample cup moves through the, supply apparatus, and the identity of the blood donor recorded directly on, and preferably but not necessarily simultaneously with, the graphical recording of the blood type analysis results by the analysis apparatus. Thus will be provided blood type analysis results and a blood donation receptacle, each bearing corresponding indicia of the identity of the donor of the blood, leaving very little, if any, room for clerical error.

The above and other objects and advantages of the invention are believed made clear by detailed reference hereinbelow to the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side elevation of an interconnected blood donation receptacle, identification strip, and blood sample cup, of the herein disclosed preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view taken along line 2-2 in FIG. l;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a sample cup of the invention depicted in operative position within a sample plate of automatic blood sample supply and analysis apparatus of the nature referred to hereinabove; and

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a plurality of the sample cups of the invention depicted in operative relationship with the said automatic blood sample supply and analysis apparatus.

Turning now to FIGS. 1 and 2, a blood donation receptacle of a plastic-like material is generally indicated at 21, and seen to comprise foldover inlet and outlet spout 22,' and main body portion 23 formed by overlapped heat sealed edge portions 24 and 26, respectively. The collection receptacle may, of course, take any suitable form and is here illustrated as of the foldable plastic type only because of the suitability and relatively Widespread usage thereof. An identification strip 33 of any suitable material, as for example clear plastic, is rigidly attached to the overlapped edge portions of the receptacle, again in any suitable manner, as for example that depicted in the subject gures wherein attachment strips 31 and 32 overlap and are rigidly attached to both an adjacent end portion 30 of the identification strip and the adjacent overlapped collection receptacle edge portions 24 and 26, respectively.

A blood sample cup 34, which is preferably but not necessarily of the type disclosed in the above mentioned U.S. Patent No. 3,038,340, comprises lip portion 36 with opening 37 formed therein whereby blood may be introduced into and withdrawn from the cup. The cup is also rigidly attached to the identification strip, again in any suitable manner, which may take the form shown in the drawings wherein strip attachment elements 38 and 39 are fixed to the cup in the depicted spaced apart manner, and the adjacent end portion 40 of the identification strip firmly positioned and maintained therebetween in any convenient manner. indicia of the identity of the donor ofthe blood which will ultimately be placed in both the collection receptacle and sample cup are provided, in one or more forms, in at least two locations on the strip. As depicted, such indicia will be seen to take the form of a blood donor identifying number 42, reproduced at a plurality of locations thereon, and a coded array of punched holes 43 arranged adjacent the cup in a well known manner to represent the same number to suitable card reading detecting apparatus for purposes described in greater detail hereinbelow. The identifying number 42 may be reproduced more than twice on the strip in the depicted manner to provide a convenient supply of blood donor identity number labels. At this juncture it is numbers are the same.

within slot 51 of the said plate. 52 may be generally similar to that disclosed in the aboveemphasized that the identification strip material, and the lcoded indicia provided thereon, may take any suitable form compatible with the intended purposes of the invention. For example, the strip might include an oxide coating and the coded indicia magnetized portions thereof detectable by one or more magnetic heads in a well known manner. Alternatively, the coded indicia might comprise portions of the strip which are either lighter or darker than the remainder of the strip whereby photo- Velectric detection means might be employed to detect the collection tube leading to` the receptacle is stripped and drained into the sample cup 34 or, alternatively, a separate connection is made between the receptacle and cup whereby the blood may be transferred therebetween to result, in cit-her event, in blood from the same donation of the same donor being placed within both the donation receptacle and the sample cup at approximately the same time. The identification numbers on the strip may then be quickly checked at a glance, if desired, to insure that all The identication strip is then, but not before, `severed along the dash line 44 resulting in the two containers of the same blood being separated from each other, with each container having rmly aflixed thereto a significant part of the same identifying strip. In the depicted preferred embodiment, the strip portion affixed to the donation receptable would provide only numerical indicia of the identity of the blood donor, while the strip portion afiixed to the sample cup would provide both numerical and coded--in the form of punched holes-r-indicia of the same blood donor identity.

FIG. 3 shows the sample cup 34 on a sample supply plate 52, with the cup strip portion operatively positioned The sample supply plate mentioned U.S. Patent No. 3,038,340. The portion of `the identifying strip 33 which protrudes from the sample plate includes both the numerical and punched hole indicia of the blood donor identity, whereby the latter may be readily detected by a suitable card reading detecting means positioned in operative relationship relative thereto,

while the former may be utilized for visual verification of the operation of such detecting means in a manner made clear hereinbeloW.

Referring now to-FIG. 4, a plurality of the sample cups of the invention are indicated in conjunction with automatic blood sample supply and analysis apparatus of the nature mentioned hereinabove.

Briefly described, the said apparatus comprises the indexible sample plate 52 Awith a plurality of the sample cups 34 of the invention positioned thereon in plate slots 51 in the depicted manner. Blood sample take-off means 61, including take-off crook 62, are positioned as shown adjacent the periphery of the sample plate and operative, as the plate is indexed to position each sample cup in turn ,beneath the crook, for

immersion of the inlet end of the crook tube in the blood contained inthe cups for the aspiration of all or a portion of the blood for supply through conduit 65 to the auto- 'matic blood analysis apparatus 63. It will be understood that the non-illustrated crook tube is threaded through the crook in the manner shown in the above mentioned United States Patent No. 3,038,340. The analysis apparatus may,

l for example, be of the nature disclosed in the above mentioned United States Patent No. 2,797,149. The blood samples are analyzed in respect to the effect of anti-serum thereon in the manner described inthe United States application of W. I. Smythe, Serial No. 221,670 filed September 5, 1962, and assigned to the assignee hereof.

Once within the analysis apparatus, the blood is automatically tested for various properties determinative of the type thereof and the results of such tests transmitted electrically by lines 64, 66, 67 and 68 to recording pens 69, 71, 72 and 73'of multi-pen recorder 74, whereby the pens may be moved relative to the recording chart 76 to describe curves 75 thereon as the said chart is in turn moved thereunder. It is these curves which represent graphically the results of the tests performed on the blood within the analysis apparatus, whereby proper curve interjacent the periphery of the sample plate 52 and movable,V

by a solenoid actuated plunger or core 82, spring loaded as shown, into and out of operative relationship with the said identification strip portions as the cups are in turn indexed into alignment therewith. The detecting means 81 is biased away from operative relationship with the protruding identification strip portions bya spring 90 positioned as shown on plunger 82. Mercury switch 91 is mounted on the crook 62 and closed only when the inlet end of the crook tube is immersed in a blood sample cup,

to energize the solenoid coil and thereby move the plunger 82 and detecting means 81 into the depicted operative relationship with a protruding identification strip portion. Thus, as each sample cup is in turn indexed into position adjacent the detecting means, and the sample plate 52 brought to a temporary halt, the immersion of the tube of crook 62 in a blood sample cup will result in the closing of the mercury switch 91 and actuation of the solenoid to move the detecting means 81 against the action of spring 90 into operative relationship with the protruding identification strip portion attached to the sample cup positioned adjacent thereto. Upon the completion of the aspiration of blood by the crook, the crook is withdrawn from the cup whereby the mercury switch 91 is opened and the detecting means withdrawn from operative relationship with the protruding identification strip portion by the action of spring 90. Thus, the sample plate 52 is free to index to the next position thereof for repetition of the operational cycles of the crook and detecting means.

The detecting means are connected by line 83 to an automatic printer which is controlled by the operation thereof, whereupon the blood donor identity indicia detected by the detecting means from the sample cup identifying strip'portions may be transmitted to the printing means for actuation of the latter to print the blood donor identity member 84 directly on the face of the recording chart 76 in alignment with the set of curves 75 which represent the results of an analysis upon blood from the same sample cup. The detecting means 81 will be seen in the subject figure to be spaced along the periphery of the sample plate 52 from the sample supply means 61. This is made necessary by the fact that the supply of blood to the analysis apparatus, and the analysis thereof once supplied thereto, do not occur instantaneously after the blood is withdrawn from the sample cup by the crook 62, but rather, require a certain period of time for the completion thereof. Thus, thedetecting means must be spaced sufiiciently from the take-off device to enable `a sufiicient time delay between the aspiration of a blood sample and the operation of the detecting and printing means, whereby it is insured that t-he blood donor identity number detected by the detecting means and printed by the printing means on the recording chart, is in alignment with the proper set of curves.

In the operation of the apparatus of FIG. 4, blood is aspirated from a sample cup indexed into alignment therewith and supplied via conduit 65 t-o analysis apparatus 63 for the analysis thereof. In the meantime, other sample cups will be indexed into alignment with the said take-off means while the first mentioned cup is now being indexed toward the detecting means 81. After the expiration of a predetermined period of time, the analysis of the blood aspirated from the first mentioned cup will be completed and the results thereof transmitted to the recording pens 69, 71, 72 and 73 for recording on the recording chart 76. At -the same time, the said first mentioned sample cup will be indexed into alignment with the detecting means 81 whereupon actuation of the solenoid actuated shaft 82 will position the said detecting means in the depicted operative relationship relative to the identifying strip portion affixed thereto. The blood donor identity indicia on the said strip portion will thus be detected by the detecting means and transmitted to the printing means 85 for printing upon the recording chart 76- in direct alignment with the group of curves 75 which represent the results lof the analysis of the blood aspirated from the said first mentioned cup. At this point, all that remains is interpretation of the curves to establish blood type, `and a visual comparison of the blood donor identifying number printed in alignment therewith with the same lidentifying number on the identification strip portion attached to a blood donation collection container, whereby the results of the analysis of blood from the same donor as that contained in the said container may be accurately correlated therewith. Thus the invention provides a method and -apparatus making virtually impossible the confusion of blood donation receptacles and the results of analysis performed on blood from the same donor as that contained therein.

While we have shown and described the preferred embodiment of the invention, it will be understood Vthat the invention may be embodied otherwise than as herein specifically illustrated or described, and that certain changes in'the for-1nY and arrangement of parts and in the specific mannerof practicing the invention may be made without :departing from the underlying idea or principles of this invention Within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In an apparatus for the corresponding identification of substances -in accordance with a related characteristic thereof, at least first and second means for supporting substances, severable means afiixed thereto and extending therebetween, said means being in the form of a fiat strip, independently supporting said second means from said first means and bearing in at least two distinct locations indicia of said characteristic whereby the severance of the means intermediate the said locations will result` in separate first and second means, each having a portion of the severable means affixed thereto and bearing indicia of the said characteristic.

2. InV an apparatus for the corresponding identification of containers in accordance with a related characteristic of one or more substances vcontained therein, at least first and second substance containers, severable identification means extending therebetween and affixed thereto, said means being in the form of a fiat strip, independently supporting said second container from said first container and having indicia of the related characteristic of the substances formed thereon in at least two distinct locations, whereby the severance -of the means between the said locations Will result in separate substance containers, each having affixed thereto a portion of the identification means including indicia of the related characteristic of the substances formed thereon.

3.. In an apparatus as in claim 2, wherein the first container is a blood donation receptacle, the second container a blood sample cup, and the substance is blood from the same donor.

4. In an apparatus as in claim 2, wherein the indicia of the related characteristic comprise visually comprehensible indicia.

5. In an apparatus as in claim 2, wherein the indicia of the related characteristic comprise means for controlling the operation of a detecting means.

6. In an apparatus as in claim 2, wherein the indicia of the related characteristic comprise an identifying number, and means for representing the number to a detecting means.

7. =In an apparatus as in claim 3, wherein the related characteristic is the identity of the blood donor, and the indicia thereof comprise a blood donor identification number and means for representing the number to a detecting means. f v

8. In an apparatus as in claim 7, wherein the locations of the indicia on the identification means are such that the latter may be severed to result in the identifying number appearing on both portions thereof, and the means for representing the number to a detecting means only or t-he portion thereof afiixed to the sample cup.

9. In a method of providing for the corresponding identification of at least first and second containers in accordance with a related characteristic of one or more substances contained therein the steps of, independently .supporting said second container from said first container by a fiat strip and forming in at least two distinct locations on said fiat strip indicia ofthe said characteristic. .placing quantities of the substances in each of said containers, and severing said fiat strip intermediate said indicia locations to make said two containers of the substances independent of each other, each having afiixed thereto a portion of saidfiat strip bearing indicia of said related characteristic.

10. In a method of providing for the corresponding identification of a blood donation receptacle and a blood sample cup in accordance with the identity of the donor of blood contained therein the steps of, independently supporting said sample cup from said donation receptacle by a flat str-ip and forming in at least two distinct locations on said fiat strip indicia of the identity of the blood donor, placing quantities of blood from the same donor within each of the receptaclerand the cup, and severing said flat strip intermediate the said indicia locations to .make said blood donation receptacle and said sample cup independent of each other and each having afiixed .thereto a portion of said flat strip bearing thereon indicia of the identity of the donor of the blood contained therein.

11. In an apparatus for the corresponding identification of substances and the results of analysis performed thereon, substance analysis apparatus including means for automaitically recording analysis results, substance `supply means operatively associated therewith for autornatically supplying substances thereto, substance container means including identifying means bearing thereon indicia for representing the identity of substances con- -tained therein to detecting means, detecting means automatically operative to detect the said indicia, container means support means cooperatively associated with the substance supply means and the detecting means and .automatically operative to in turn relatively position the container and supply means to enable the supply of substances from the container means to the analysis apparatus, and the container and detecting means to enable the detection of the substance identity indicia, and substance identity recording means cooperatively associated lthe container means and projecting therefrom, and the container means support means comprise an indexible turntable with slots formed therein, whereby the container means may be supported within the slots with the identifying strip portions projecting therefrom for detection by the detecting means.

13. In an apparatus as in claim 12, wherein the substance supply means is positioned adjacent the indexible turntable at a first location and operable only when a substance container is indexed into a position on the turntable 'adjacent thereto, and the detecting means is positioned adjacent the indexible turntable at a second location spaced from said rstlocation and operable only when a substance container is indexed into a position on the turntable adjacent thereto, whereby a time delay will occur betweenthe supply of a substance from a container means to the analysis apparatus and the detection of the substance identity indicia ailixed to the same container means. 14. In an apparatus as in claim 13, wherein the substances are blood, the substance container means blood sample cups, and the analysis apparatus automatic blood analysis apparatus operative to determine the blood type of blood samples supplied thereto.

15. In lan apparatus as in claim 14, wherein the means for recording .analysis results comprise a recording chart, the substance identity indicia represent blood donor iden- 'tifying numbers, and the substance identity recording -means a printer operable to print the said identifying 'numbers on the recording chart in response to the detection thereof by the detection means.

16. In an apparatus for the corresponding identification of substances and the results of analysis performed thereon, substance container means, identification means affixed thereto and projecting therefrom, said identification means including indicia for representing the identity of the substance to detecting means, and container means support means comprising slots shaped in accordance with the shapes of the container means and the projecting identication means afliXed thereto, whereby the container means may be positioned in the support means with the identification means projecting therefrom.

17. In an apparatus as in claim 16, wherein the substance is blood and the container means blood sample cups.

18. In an apparatus as in claim 16, wherein the support means is an indexible turntable.

19. Automatic liquid-sample analysis apparatus, com- 'prising a movable support for a plurality of containers for the liquid samples, an analyzer for the quantitative determination of a known constituent of the respective samples, each of said containers carrying sample-related indicia, said analyzer including la meoorder having a chart on which recordings of said determinations are automativcally made, means at one station for automatically transferring sample liquids from said containers in a owing stream to said analyzer, said recorder having means to 'automatically print indicia on the recorder chart, detector vmeans at a second station operable under the control of said sample-related indicia, carried by said containers, for automatically controlling the operation of said print means, and means for automatically indexing said support to move said containers individually first to said rst sta-tion and thereafter to said second station.

20. A method for providing the corresponding identifi- 'cati-on of each of a given number of samples and the results of analysis respectively performed thereon, com- 'prising the steps of: aixing to said given number of a .sequentially lanalyzing each of the samples and providing signals responsive to the results of each such analysis;

sequentially sensing the indicia on each container means yand providing signals responsive to the respective identity represented thereby; sequentially recording the signals responsive to the results of the analysis of eachV sample 'and the identity of such sample in correlation.

21. A method for providing the corresponding identification of each of a given number of samples and the results of analysis respectively performed thereon, comprising the steps of: aixing to said given number of a plurality of container means different indicia respectively representative of the iden-tity of the sample which is placed in such container means; operatively positioning each of said container means in an analysis apparatus; sequentially analyzing each of the samples and providing signals responsive to the results of each such analysis; sequentially sensing the indicia on each container means and providing signals responsive -to the respective identity represented thereby; sequentially recording the signals responsive to the results of the analysis of each sample and the identity of such sample on the same medium in correlation.

22. A method for the identification of analysis results of material in accordance with the identity of the supply of the material for a plurality of supplies of material, comprising the following steps: providing for each supply of ma-terial, a set of two containers joined by a common member with a portion of said each supply in each of such two containers, said com-mon member having two arrays of indicia respectively disposed in dilferent locations on said common -rnember and each array identifying ther'associated container; severing each of said common members between said arrays of indicia whereby each containerhas an array of indicia attached thereto; operatively positioning one of said containers of each of said sets in an analysis apparatus; sequentially off-taking and `analyzing the contents of each of said containers and providing signals responsive to the results of each such analysis; sequentially sensing the indicia on each of said containers in said analysis apparatus and providing signals responsive to the respective identity represented thereby; and sequentially recording the signals responsive to the results of the analysis of the contents of each container and the identity of such container in correlation while said containers are in said analysis apparatus.

23. A method for the identification ot analysis results of material in accondance with the identity of the supply orf the material for a plurality off supplies of material, comprising the following steps: provi-ding :for each supply of material, a set of two containers joined by a common member with a portion of said each supply in each o'sf such two containers, said common member having two arrays of indicia respectively disposed in dilerent locations on said common member and each array identifying the associated container; severing each of said common memfbers (between said arr-ays orf 'indicia whereby each container has an array of indicia attached thereto; operatively tially recording the signals responsive to the results off the analysis oct the contents of each container and the identi- Yty of such container -in correlation while said containers are in said analysis apparatus on the same medium.

24. A method for the i-dentication of analysis results of blood in accordance with the identity ott the supply of the blood for a pluraltiy ot supplies olf (blood, comprising the folowing steps: providing for each supply of (blood,` a set of two containers joined by fa common memrber with va portion of said each supply in each of such two containers, said common member having two arrays onf indicia respectively disposed in diiferent locations on said cornmon member and each ar-ray identifying the associated container; severing each olf said common members between said arrays orf indicia whereby each container has an array of indicia attached thereto; operatively positioning one of said containers orf each of said sets in an analysis apparatus;- sequentially off-taking and analyzing the contents of each of said containers and providing signals responsive to the results of each such analysis; sequentially sensin-g the indicia on each of said containers in said analysis apparatus and providing signals responsive to the respective identity represented thereby; and sequentially recording the signals responsive to the results of the analysis of the contents of each container and the identity of such container in cor-relation while said containers are in said an-alysis apparatus on the same medium.

25. A method dior the identification ott analysis results of material in accordance with the identity of the supply olf the material for a plurality -oif supplies of material, comprising the folowing steps: providing for eachy supply of material, a set of two containers joined by a common member With a portion |olf said each supply in each of such two containers, said common member having two arrays of indicia respectively disposed in different locations on said common member and each array identifying the associated container; severing each olf said common members between said arrays of indicia whereby each container has an array of indicia attached thereto; operatively positioning one df said containers of each of 'said sets in an analysis apparatus; sequentially off-taking and analyzing the contents of each o-f said containers and providing signals responsive to the results of each such analysis; sequentially sensing the indicia on each of said containers in said analysis apparatus and providingsignals responsive to the respective identity represented thereby; and sequentially recording the signals responsive to the results of the anlysis orf the contents yorf each container on a strip chart and the identity of such container in correlation while said containers are in said analysis apparatus and adjacent thereto on said strip chart.

26. Automatic analysis apparatusV comprising: container means for containing a sample to be analyze-d having machine sensible indicia Vrepresentative of the identity of the sample contained therein; analysis apparatus for receiving said container means, for automatically off-taking the sample from said container means, for automatically analyzing the sample and for providing signals responsive to the results of such analysis, ttor automatically sensing said indicia on said container means and providing signals responsive tothe identity represented thereby; and

recording means, coupled to said analysis apparatus, [for automatically recording the signals responsive to the results olf the analysis and the identity of the sample analyzed in correlation.

27. Automatic analysis apparatus comprising: container means for containing a sample to be analyzed having machine sensible indicia representative of the identity olf the sample contained therein; analysis apparatus for receiving said container means, for automatically off-taking the sample .from said container means, for automatically analyzing the sample and for providing signals responsive to the results of such analysis, for automatically sensing said indicia lon said container means and providing signals responsive to the identity represented thereby; and recording means, coupled to said analysis apparatus, for automatically recording :the signals responsive to the results of the analysis and the identity of the sample analyzed on the same medium in correlation.

28. Automatic analysis apparatus comprising: a plurality of container means, each ttor containing a respective sample to be analyzed and having machine sensible indicia representative of the identity orf the sample contained therein; analysis apparatus for receiving said plurality of container means, [for automatically sequentially olf-taking the respective sample from each said container means, ttor automatically sequentially analyzing each offtaken sample .and for sequentially providing signals responsive to the results olf each such analysis, for automatically sequentially sensing said indicia on each said 10 container means and :tor sequentially providing signals responsive to the identity representedby such indicia; and recording means, coupled to said analysis apparatus, for automatically sequentially recording lthe signals responsive to the results of the analysis of each sample and the identity of such sample in cor-relation.

29. Automatic analysis apparatus comprising: a plurality of container means, each for containing a respective sample to be analyzed Iand having machine sensible indicia representative of the identity of the sample contained therein; analysis apparatus for receiving said plurality of container means, for automatically sequentially olf-taking the respective sample from each said container means, for automatically sequentially lanalyzing each olf-taken sample .and for sequentially providing signals responsive to the results of each such analysis, for automaticaly sequentially sensing said indicia on each said container means and for sequentially Y providing signals responsive to the identity represented by such indicia; and recording means, coupled to said analysis apparatus, for automatically sequentially recording the signals responsive t-o the results of the analysis of each sample and the identity of such sample on the Same medium in correlation.

30. In an apparatus for the corresponding identification of substances and the results of analysis performed thereon: a plurality of substance containers each having identifying means bearing thereon indicia for representing the identity of lthe substance contained therein; support means for supporting each of said substance containers with said respective identifying means at a predetermined orientation; said support means having a position whereat the oft-taking of substance from a presented thereto container is enabled and a position Whereas the reading-out of said indicia of said identifying means of a presented thereto container is enabled; said support means sequentially presenting each of said substance containers to said positions.

31. In an apparatus for the corresponding identification of substances and the results of analysis performed thereon: a plurality of substance containers each having identifying means bearing thereon indicia for representing the identity of the substance contained therein; detecting means for detecting the indicia on the identifying means of a substance container and for providing signals responsive thereto; support means for supporting each of said substance -containers with said respective identifying means at a predetermined orientation; said support means having a position whereat the off-taking of substance from a presented thereto container is enabled and a position whereat the reading out of said indicia of said identifying means of a presented thereto container by said detecting means is enabled; said support means sequentially presenting each of said substance containers to said positions.

32. In an apparatus for the corresponding identification of substances and the iesults of analysis performed thereon: a plurality of substance containers each having identifying means bearing `thereon indicia for representing: the identity of the substance contained therein; de-

(References on following page) 

22. A METHOD FOR THE IDENTIFICATION OF ANALYSIS RESULTS OF MATERIAL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE IDENTITY OF THE SUPPLY OF THE MATERIAL FOR A PLURALITY OF SUPPLIES OF MATERIAL, COMPRISING THE FOLLOWING STEPS: PROVIDING FOR EACH SUPPLY OF MATERIAL, A SET OF TWO CONTAINERS JOINED BY A COMMON MEMBER WITH A PORTION OF SAID EACH SUPPLY IN EACH OF SUCH TWO CONTAINERS, SAID COMMON MEMBER HAVING TWO ARRAYS OF INDICIA RESPECTIVELY DISPOSED IN DIFFERENT LOCATIONS ON SAID COMMON MEMBER AND EACH ARRAY IDENTIFYING THE ASSOCIATED CONTAINER; SEVERING EACH OF SAID COMMON MEMBERS BETWEEN SAID ARRAYS OF INDICIA WHEREBY EACH CONTAINER HAS AN ARRAY OF INDICIA ATTACHED THERETO; OPERATIVELY POSITIONING ONE OF SAID CONTAINERS OF EACH OF SAID SETS IN AN ANALYSIS APPARATUS; SEQUENTIALLY OFF-TAKING AND ANALYZING THE CONTENTS OF EACH OF SAID CONTAINERS AND PROVIDING SIGNALS RESPONSIVE TO THE RESULTS OF EACH SUCH ANALYSIS; SEQUENTIALLY SENSING THE INDICIA ON EACH OF SAID CONTAINERS IN SAID ANALYSIS APPARATUS AND PROVIDING SIGNALS RESPONSIVE TO THE RESPECTIVE THE SIGNALS RESPONSIVE THEREBY; AND SEQUENTIALLY RECORDING THE SIGNALS RESPONSIVE TO THE RESULTS OF THE ANALYSIS OF THE CONTENTS OF EACH CONTAINER AND THE IDENTITY OF SUCH CONTAINER IN CORRELATION WHILE SAID CONTAINERS ARE IN SAID ANALYSIS APPARATUS. 